Professional Roof Cleaning in Northern NJ
Soft Wash. No Damage. No Pressure-Stripping.
Algae, moss, lichen, and black streak removal using soft-wash methodology — protects your shingle granules and extends roof life by 5-10 years.
Those Black Streaks Aren’t Just Ugly. They’re Eating Your Shingles.
That dark discoloration on your roof? It’s Gloeocapsa magma — a type of algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. The longer it sits there, the more it breaks down the protective granules that keep your shingles waterproof and UV-resistant. Moss is even worse. It holds moisture against the shingle surface, accelerates decay, and lifts shingle edges where water can get underneath.
A professional cleaning removes the growth, stops the damage, and adds years to your roof’s life. It also makes your home look dramatically better — curb appeal goes through the roof (pun intended) when those black streaks disappear.
- Extends roof lifespan by removing damaging growth
- Soft wash method — no high pressure on your shingles
- Kills algae, moss, and lichen at the root
- Restores curb appeal — your roof looks new again
How We Clean Roofs
We use the right method for the job. Pressure washing destroys shingles — we don’t do that. Here’s what actually works without causing damage.
Soft Wash Treatment
Low-pressure application of a biodegradable cleaning solution that kills algae, moss, and lichen without damaging your shingles. This is the method recommended by shingle manufacturers including Owens Corning and GAF. Results are visible within hours.
Moss Removal
Heavy moss gets manually removed first — carefully, without lifting shingles. Then we treat the area with a solution that kills the root system and prevents regrowth. We also install zinc strips along the ridge if needed for long-term prevention.
Preventive Treatment
Already cleaned? We offer preventive treatments that keep algae and moss from coming back. Applied annually or bi-annually depending on your roof’s sun exposure and surrounding trees. Much cheaper than a full cleaning every few years.
Why We Don’t Pressure Wash Roofs
A lot of companies will pressure wash your roof because it’s fast and looks dramatic. Here’s the problem: high-pressure water blasts the protective granules right off your shingles. Those granules are what protect the asphalt from UV damage and keep your roof waterproof.
After a pressure wash, your roof might look clean for a few months, but you’ve just knocked years off its lifespan. Shingle manufacturers — including Owens Corning, whose products we install as a Preferred Contractor — specifically warn against pressure washing. Their warranty can be voided if the roof is pressure washed.
Our soft wash method uses low pressure and a cleaning solution that does the work chemically, not mechanically. It kills the growth without touching the granules. That’s the difference between cleaning your roof and damaging it.
Our Roof Cleaning Process
Safe, thorough, and done in a single visit for most homes.
Inspection
We check your roof’s condition, identify the type of growth (algae, moss, lichen), and note any areas that need special attention or repair before cleaning.
Prep & Protect
We cover landscaping, wet down plants, and protect anything below the roofline. Our cleaning solution is biodegradable, but we take precautions anyway.
Soft Wash
Low-pressure application of our cleaning solution across the entire roof surface. The solution breaks down algae, moss, and lichen at the cellular level.
Rinse & Review
Gentle rinse, final inspection, and cleanup. Most roofs show dramatic improvement immediately, with full results visible within a few days as remaining growth dies off.
Roof Cleaning Questions
Got a question we didn’t cover? Call us.
Not the way we do it. Our soft wash method uses low pressure — similar to a garden hose — and a cleaning solution that does the work. We never use high-pressure washing on asphalt shingles. That’s actually what causes damage.
It depends on your environment. Homes with heavy tree cover or north-facing roof sections typically need cleaning every 2-3 years. Homes with more sun exposure might go 4-5 years. We can set you up with a preventive treatment plan that extends the time between full cleanings.
We use biodegradable solutions and take extra steps to protect your landscaping — wetting plants before and after, covering sensitive areas. In our experience, plants do fine. We’ve never had a landscaping complaint.
Yes. Different materials get different treatment methods. Metal roofs can handle slightly more pressure. Tile roofs need very careful handling to avoid cracking. We adjust our approach based on your roof material.
Most residential roofs take 2-4 hours including setup, treatment, rinse, and cleanup. Heavily affected roofs with thick moss may take a full day if manual removal is needed first.
Soft washing won’t — in fact, manufacturers recommend it. Pressure washing can void your warranty. That’s one of the reasons we only use the soft wash method. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we follow their maintenance guidelines exactly.
A Clean Roof Is a Longer-Lasting Roof.
Stop algae and moss from shortening your roof’s life. Get a free cleaning estimate today.
Mon-Fri 7am-8pm | Sat 7am-6pm | nailforcecontracting@gmail.com